Family court forms, explained

What it is

The form that proves to the court you have been to a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), or that you are exempt from one. The mediator fills in and signs the mediation part.

When you need it

You need it whenever you apply to the family court about children or money, unless you qualify for an exemption (for example, domestic abuse or urgency).

How to apply

1. Book a MIAM with an FMC-accredited mediator.
2. Attend the meeting (45 to 60 minutes, online).
3. If mediation is not going ahead, the mediator signs the FM1 within 48 hours.
4. Send it to the court with your application. It is valid for four months.

What it is

Since April 2024 the court expects each of you to say, before every hearing, what you have done to settle the case outside court – mediation, for example – and why you have not, if you have not. Judges can pause the case or order costs against someone who refused without good reason.

When you need it

Before the first hearing in most children and finance cases, and again if the judge asks.

How to apply

1. Fill it in honestly, naming any mediation attended or offered.
2. File it with the court and send a copy to the other side, at least seven days before the hearing.

What it is

The main application about children: a child arrangements order (who the child lives with and spends time with), a prohibited steps order (stopping something, such as a move abroad) or a specific issue order (deciding something, such as which school).

When you need it

When you and the other parent cannot agree about the children and mediation has not worked or is not suitable. You must attend a MIAM first, unless exempt.

How to apply

1. Attend a MIAM and get your FM1 signed.
2. Apply online at GOV.UK, or fill in the paper C100 and send it to your local family court.
3. Add a C1A if there has been abuse or you are worried about harm.
4. Pay the fee, or apply for Help with Fees first and put your reference number on the form.
5. The court sends a copy to the other parent and lists a first hearing, usually four to eight weeks later.

What it is

A supplement to the C100 (or a reply to one) where you say the child or you have experienced, or are at risk of, violence, abuse or harm. It tells the court and Cafcass what to look into.

When you need it

Whenever there are safety concerns in a children application, whether you are applying or responding.

How to apply

1. Fill it in alongside your C100, or when you respond to one.
2. Describe what happened, when, and any police, medical or social services involvement.
3. Send it with the C100 or your response.

What it is

For asking the court for something once a children case is already running: to change or enforce an order, to join the case, or for directions.

When you need it

When there is already a case number, and something needs deciding before or after the final order.

How to apply

1. Quote the existing case number.
2. Say clearly what you are asking the court to do and why.
3. Send it to the court dealing with the case, with the fee or your Help with Fees reference.

What it is

A simple way for an unmarried father (or a step-parent) to get parental responsibility with the mother's agreement, without going to court for an order.

When you need it

When both parents agree the father should have parental responsibility and he is not on the birth certificate.

How to apply

1. Fill in the form together.
2. Take it, with ID and the child's birth certificate, to any family court and sign it there.
3. Send the signed form to the Central Family Court in London to be registered.

What it is

Asks the court to decide money and property after a divorce or dissolution: the home, savings, pensions, maintenance and lump sums.

When you need it

When you cannot agree finances and need a judge to decide. You must attend a MIAM first, unless exempt. It can only be issued once divorce proceedings have started.

How to apply

1. Attend a MIAM and get your FM1 signed.
2. Fill in Form A and send it to the court dealing with your divorce (or apply through the online divorce service).
3. Pay the fee or attach your Help with Fees reference.
4. Both of you then complete Form E within a set timetable and the court lists a first appointment.

What it is

The long, sworn statement of everything you own, owe and earn, with documents attached: bank statements, payslips, pension values, property valuations.

When you need it

After Form A, the court orders both of you to exchange a Form E. Many couples in mediation use the same form for their disclosure, so nothing is done twice.

How to apply

1. Gather 12 months of bank statements, three payslips or two years of accounts, mortgage statement, pension cash-equivalent values.
2. Fill in every section honestly; leaving things out can undo an order later.
3. Sign the statement of truth and exchange it with the other person on the date the court set.

What it is

The short summary of both your finances that goes with a consent order: the agreement you have reached (in mediation, for example) written up by a solicitor and sent to a judge to approve.

When you need it

When you have agreed your finances and want the agreement made legally binding. This is how a mediated Memorandum of Understanding becomes an order.

How to apply

1. Reach agreement (mediation ends with a Memorandum of Understanding).
2. A solicitor drafts the consent order; you both fill in and sign the D81.
3. Send the draft order, the D81 and the fee to the court, or upload them through the online divorce service.
4. A judge checks it is fair and approves it, usually without a hearing.

What it is

The divorce application itself. Since 2022 there is no blame: you simply state the marriage has broken down. You can apply alone or together.

When you need it

After at least one year of marriage. Most people apply online; the paper D8 is for those who cannot.

How to apply

1. Apply online at GOV.UK with your marriage certificate and both addresses.
2. The other person is notified and has 14 days to respond.
3. After 20 weeks, apply for the conditional order.
4. Six weeks later, apply for the final order. Sort out finances before the final order if you can – it affects pensions and inheritance.

What it is

Protection from an abusive partner or family member: an order that they must not harass, threaten or contact you (non-molestation), or must leave or stay away from the home (occupation order).

When you need it

If you are at risk. It can be made urgently, without the other person knowing, on the same day. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

How to apply

1. Fill in the FL401 and a witness statement describing what has happened.
2. Take or email it to your nearest family court; ask for it to be heard without notice if you are frightened.
3. The judge can make a temporary order that day and list a full hearing.
4. Free help: the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, 0808 2000 247, and legal aid is usually available.

What it is

The application for the court fee to be waived or reduced if you have little in savings and a low income or certain benefits. It applies to court fees, not to mediation (mediation has its own £500 voucher).

When you need it

Before you send any form that carries a fee: the C100, C2, Form A, D8 or the consent order.

How to apply

1. Apply online at GOV.UK (takes about 10 minutes) or on the paper EX160.
2. You get a reference number starting HWF-.
3. Write that number in the fee box on your court form instead of paying.
4. The court checks your details and tells you if anything is still to pay.